Article Contributed by
Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy
The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will be offering a migratory bird observation tour on Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at its Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park (CLNP) in Cassadaga on Route 60, located between Tim Horton’s and Camp Gross. The tour will be led by CWC Ecological Restoration Manager, author and photographer Twan Leenders who will assist with bird identification and discuss the importance of water quality and protected lands such as the CLNP to our migrating birds.
The first half of May is when most of our migratory songbirds return from Central and South America. It is the ideal time to see these tropical gems, before the trees completely leaf out and hide them from view. Expect a variety of warbler species, orioles, tanagers, thrushes, swallows, vireos, and possibly a few hummingbirds and indigo buntings on the walk. Mid-May is also the best time to hear these birds. Newly returned male birds sing energetically during this period to attract a mate and stake out their breeding territory. In only a few weeks the nesting season will be in full swing, and the woods will go quiet again as they don’t want to draw attention to their presence anymore. In short, this will be the ideal time and place to be wow-ed by our backyard birds!
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras if they have them and should also dress appropriately for the weather and for the typical wet conditions of a wooded wetland. A $5 per individual or $10 per family donation is suggested for non-CWC members. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Please call 716-664-2166 or email info@chautauquawatershed.org by 3pm on Friday, May 13th with the number of attendees and a contact name and phone number.
